MICHELLE Parsons of Worcester Triathlon Club has taken over as leader of the World Powerman rankings for elite female competitors.

She was lying second but recently completed a Power-man Race in Austria which enabled her to push up into top position.

Parsons is now considering taking part in a Powerman race in Japan later this year.

Meanwhile, pouring rain and blustery winds greeted the competitors at the Wolverhampton Classic race held over the distances of 1,500 metres lake swim, 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

Held at Chasewater near Wolverhampton, the lake was not that inviting. Over 200 athletes competed and Marianne Day of the Worces-ter Tri Club did an excellent swim to get out of the water in 37th position followed by Mark Elliot in 88th.

The bike race sector was hazardous due to the wet roads but the Worcester competitors all did well ready for the final run of two laps.

In fact, the three club members, Tony Kight, Roger and Marianne Day all finished within 19 seconds of each other.

Club members times were: Elliot 53rd 2.27.54; Knight 90th 2.35.31; Roger Day 92nd 2.35.36; Marianne Day 94th 2.35.50; Stephen Lewis 160th 2.53.49.

The eighth year of the poplar Cotswold Triathlon took place at Keynes Country Park near Cirencester.

Five Worcester Tri Club members were set to tackle a 750m open water swim, 20k bike and a 5k run.

However, due to the weather conditions the start was delayed in the hope that the mist would lift - it didn't so the swim was shortened to 300m.

Dan Keen took part in the elite race and was a respec-table fifth overall out of 350 competitors. He had a solid swim and bike and finished with a superb run.

Roger Day won his age group (50-59yrs), while Ros Townsend also had a strong race winning her age group (50-59).

Marianne Day was second in her age group (20-29yrs).

After overcoming a few problems in the swimming section she had a good bike and a solid run.